NSG 300 Exam 3 – Foundations of
Nursing | Verified Q&A | GCU Nursing
(2026\2027)
Master the NSG 300 Exam 3 with this definitive 150-question practice set covering
foundations of nursing, legal/ethical standards, dosage math, and advanced clinical
assessments. This "Graded A+" study guide features verified questions and technical
rationales designed to ensure success on the 2026 nursing fundamentals exam.
Prepare with confidence using this comprehensive resource covering the Nursing
Process, medication safety, and clinical informatics.
Nursing
A patient presents with shortness of breath and a respiratory rate of 28. What is the
first nursing action?
A) Administer 2L of Oxygen
B) Elevate the head of the bed (High-Fowler's)
C) Call the healthcare provider
D) Obtain a chest X-ray
Rationale: Positioning is the quickest, non-invasive way to promote lung
expansion and ease the work of breathing.
Which term describes the amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle each
minute?
A) Stroke Volume
B) Cardiac Output
C) Preload
D) Afterload
Rationale: Cardiac Output = Heart Rate × Stroke Volume (
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). Normal range is 4–6 L/min.
The nurse is preparing to suction a patient’s tracheostomy. What is the maximum
time for each suction pass?
A) 5 seconds
B) 10–15 seconds
C) 30 seconds
D) 1 minute
Rationale: Prolonged suctioning causes hypoxia and can trigger vagal
stimulation (bradycardia).
Which "Right" of medication administration is being checked when the nurse asks
the patient for their date of birth?
A) Right Patient
B) Right Drug
C) Right Route
D) Right Time
Rationale: Two unique identifiers (Name and DOB/MRN) are required for the
Right Patient.
A patient is receiving a medication that is "highly protein-bound." What happens if
the patient has low albumin levels?
A) The drug becomes inactive
B) The risk of drug toxicity increases
C) The drug is excreted faster
D) The drug cannot be absorbed
Rationale: Unbound (free) drug is active; low protein means more free drug is
available in the bloodstream.
What is the primary purpose of a "Spacer" used with a Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)?
A) To make the inhaler look bigger
B) To hide the taste of the medication
C) To improve the delivery of medication to the lower airways
D) To prevent the medication from expiring
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Rationale: Spacers trap the medication particles, allowing the patient to inhale
them deeply rather than hitting the back of the throat.
Which isolation precaution is required for a patient with a Disseminated Herpes
Zoster (Shingles) infection?
A) Contact only
B) Droplet only
C) Airborne and Contact
D) Standard only
Rationale: Disseminated shingles can be spread via air and direct touch.
The "P-wave" on an ECG represents:
A) Atrial depolarization
B) Ventricular depolarization
C) Atrial repolarization
D) Ventricular repolarization
Rationale: The P-wave indicates the electrical impulse traveling through the atria
(contraction).
A nurse finds a medication error has occurred. What is the priority action?
A) Notify the Pharmacy
B) Complete an Incident Report
C) Assess the patient for adverse effects
D) Call the Physician
Rationale: Patient safety is always the first priority in the nursing process.
Which oxygen delivery device provides the highest concentration of oxygen (up to
90%)?
A) Nasal Cannula
B) Simple Face Mask
C) Non-Rebreather Mask
D) Venturi Mask
Rationale: The reservoir bag and one-way valves prevent the patient from
rebreathing exhaled air.
What is the correct position for a patient receiving a rectal suppository?
A) Prone
B) Supine
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C) Left Sims' Position
D) Lithotomy
Rationale: This position follows the natural curve of the colon for easier
insertion.
A "Z-track" injection technique is used primarily to:
A) Make the injection less painful
B) Prevent medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissue
C) Speed up absorption
D) Use a smaller needle
Rationale: It seals the medication deep within the muscle.
Which nursing informatics tool helps reduce medication errors by requiring a scan of
the patient's ID band?
A) Electronic Health Record (EHR)
B) Barcode Medication Administration (BCMA)
C) Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE)
D) Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS)
Rationale: BCMA ensures the "Right Patient" and "Right Drug" at the point of
care.
A patient is "Orthopneic." How does the nurse modify their care?
A) Provide extra pillows or a bedside table to lean on
B) Keep the patient in a flat supine position
C) Encourage bedrest only
D) Limit fluid intake
Rationale: Orthopnea is difficulty breathing while lying flat; sitting up is
necessary.
What is the normal range for "Oxygen Saturation" (
) in a healthy adult?
A) 85–90%
B) 95–100%
C) 90–95%
D) 80–85%